- Investigative journalists face significant challenges, including extensive travel and in-depth research requirements.
- A proposed Media Sustainability Fund (MSF) aims to support media professionals, particularly those covering crime and corruption.
- The fund would be independently managed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Media leaders have called for the creation of a dedicated fund to support journalists in their critical role of promoting transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a press club lunch
eon in Nairobi, Nation Media Group (NMG) Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo proposed the establishment of the Media Sustainability Fund (MSF), emphasizing that a portion of recovered assets from corruption cases should be allocated to sustain independent journalism.
“Part of the assets recovered by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) should be directed toward the media, particularly to support journalists specializing in crime and court reporting,” Ageyo said.
The luncheon, themed Turning the Tide: From Stolen Assets to Public Goods, brought together journalists, representatives from the EACC, and media stakeholders to discuss the role of the press in fighting corruption.
Ageyo underscored the difficulties investigative journalists face, including the high costs of travel and the need for extensive research. He stressed that a well-supported, independent media sector is essential for exposing corruption and maintaining public trust.
The proposed fund, he explained, would be managed by an independent board comprising media representatives, civil society groups, and oversight organizations. It would serve multiple purposes, including:
- Funding investigative journalism projects.
- Providing training and capacity-building programs for journalists.
- Enhancing newsroom sustainability.
- Strengthening governance through independent oversight.
According to Ageyo, disbursement mechanisms would include grants, fellowships, and direct newsroom funding, ensuring financial stability while reducing undue political and commercial influence.
Beyond media support, Ageyo emphasized that recovered assets should also be invested in essential public services, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.
“Recovered assets must be independently overseen to prevent re-looting. They should be ring-fenced and reinvested in projects that directly benefit citizens,” he noted. “A strong media can expose corruption, sustain public engagement, and safeguard recovered assets from misappropriation.”
Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Koome echoed the need for enhanced journalist training in covering corruption-related cases effectively.
Meanwhile, Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO David Omwoyo proposed integrating the fund into the EACC’s budget rather than waiting for legislative approval, which could delay implementation. He estimated that the fund could be operational within three months if incorporated into existing frameworks.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with the media in the fight against corruption.
“We are exploring opportunities for regular and structured engagements with journalists, including training and capacity-building initiatives,” Mohamud said.
The proposal for the Media Sustainability Fund marks a significant step toward ensuring that journalists have the necessary resources to hold power to account and uphold democratic principles in Kenya.
